Oklahoma is no stranger to severe hail. When a storm rolls through, your roof is the first line of defense. Understanding what to look for and how to handle a claim can save you thousands in the long run.
Identifying Hail Damage
Hail damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. While large stones can cause immediate cracks, smaller stones often leave "bruises" that weaken shingles over time.
Check your gutters and downspouts first. If you see significant amounts of granules (the "sand" from shingles) or dents in the metal, your roof likely sustained damage.
Look for soft spots, circular indents, or missing granules on the shingle surface. These areas are prone to leaks as they lose their water-shedding capability.
The Insurance Claim Process
Document everything. Take photos of the hail on the ground and any visible damage to your property immediately after the storm.
Call a professional roofing contractor before calling your insurance company. An expert can verify if the damage is substantial enough to warrant a claim, helping you avoid unnecessary "no-damage" claims on your record.
Most policies in Oklahoma have a time limit for filing storm claims (often 12 months). Don’t wait until you see a leak to start the process.